Jehovah's Witness Elders Allow Paedophile to Grill His Victims

Sunday World
May 23, 2014

http://www.sundayworld.com/top-stories/crime-desk/donal-macintyre-s-crime-cafe/jehovahs-witness-elders-allow-paedophile-to-grill-his-victims


A convicted paedophile grilled his traumatised victims about their ordeals in a series of meetings organised by Jehovah's Witnesses.

Women who complained that former Jehovah's Witness elder Jonathan Rose, 40, had molested them as children relived their nightmares in front of him after he was released from jail.

In October, the Manchester Evening News reported how Rose was jailed for nine months for abusing two little girls, one aged five, another aged 10, at the Jehovah's Witness congregation he belonged to.

The two victims came forward after a third woman, who Rose had previously been acquitted of molesting as a teenager, branded him a 'paedo' on Facebook.

Rose, of New Moston, was released early from jail in March.

The three complainants were told if they wanted him barred from the church they would have to recount their ordeal before elders.

Rose was even allowed to ask the women about the abuse he was jailed for - as eight elders looked on.

A source, who asked not to be named, told reporters: "Before each meeting the women were read a scripture on false witnesses and told to consider it carefully. They had to go through the abuse in detail and were asked if they encouraged it. One of the victims was asked if she had enjoyed it.

"At the third meeting Rose was present. He questioned the women in detail about the abuse with no one stepping in to stop bullying as would happen in court.

"The victims had already done this in court, which elders attended. But even though it was very distressing they bravely went through it again. They were told that unless they did, he would not be disfellowshipped."

It's understood Rose was finally 'disfellowshipped' after complaints to the police and Charity Commision.

The Jehovah's Witnesses do not deny the meetings took place, but say Rose is 'no longer' a Jehovah's Witness, or allowed to 'share in activities'.

They said no-one would be 'forced' to confront an 'alleged perpetrator', adding that victims were supported with 'spiritual shepherding', with members' welfare of 'paramount concern'.

A spokesman's statement said: "You ask about allowing individuals such as Mr Rose to attend our congregation meetings. As our congregations are places of public worship, they are open to the public. Nevertheless, elders will always comply with restrictions imposed by the courts or police on offenders' movements.

"When a Jehovah's Witness is accused of child abuse, local congregation elders are expected to investigate. If a victim wishes to address a matter, this can be done directly or in writing.

"No victims are forced to attend a meeting or confront an alleged perpetrator of child abuse. Of course it may not be possible to handle a matter in the congregation until the authorities have completed their investigations or if the person is incarcerated. Jehovah's Witnesses certainly do not condone child abuse.

"Child abuse is abhorrent."